Valve



w. a. wnsoN. VALVE Mar, 27, 1923.

ORIGINAL FILED JUNE 25,1917.

wig 7 Patented Mar, 27, 1923.

m STAT-ES l,449,478 PATENT OFFICE,

WYLIE cewusom, or JERSEY CIT-Y, NEW JERSEY, AssIGNoE TO SLIDING vALvEs mooErqRA'rEn, A coEPoEA'rroN or DELAWARE.

VALVE.

Original application filed June 25, 191?, Serial No. 176,755. Divided and this application filed March 9,.

1922. Serial No. 542,365.

To'aZZ whom it mag/concern:

Be it known that I, )VYLIE G. WILSON, a subject of the Kin of Great Brltaln, and resident of Jersey ity, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have 1nvented certain new and useful Improvements Pertaining to Valves, of which the following is a specification.

' This invention has to do with improvements'in valves used in controlling the flow of corrosive liquids, vapors and gases, and among the objects of the invention may be enumerated the following: First, to preclude leakage in valves by filling up inequalities or irregularities in the cooperating faces of the valve and valve seat with a read1ly applicable medium, such as-graphite; second, to heal small cuts, scratches, etc., produced during by an abrasive substance or a cutting tool during the manufacture of the valve; th rd, to preclude the scouring action on, or wlredrawing of, the valve incident to the passage of fluid, containing small solid particles, rapidly through the valve, and to fill up or heal scratches or cuts if the same should occur through such action; fourth, to minimize the coeflicient of friction between vthe fluid passing through the valve and the valve and valve seat; fifth, to treat the oper- "ating faces of the valve and seat with a non-corrosive and protective substance for the purpose of precludin chemical act-ion or corrosion upon the va ve parts by gas, vapor or corrosive fluids, vapors or gases coming into contact therewlth; smth, to lubricate the faces of the valve and its seat for the purpose of reducing the friction and resistance to moveme t of the valve in conjunction with one or more of the other functions specified; seventh, to condition the surfaces of cast valve parts, w1th little or no machining or other mechanical treatment, to cooperate 1n a tight-fitting or liquid-impervious joint by filling up the mterstices in the surfaces of said parts to such extent as to render their surfaces smooth and uninterrupted; eighth, to produce even and regular cooperating surfaces on the valve and valve seat for the purpose of precluding cross-currents and eddies between said cooperating faces, to minimlze the scouring effect by producing plain, fiat the grinding of a valve and its seat- This application is, divided from my 00.- I'

pending application for the improvements pertaining to valves, Serial No. 176,755., filed June 25, 1917.

I have discovered, by exhaustive experiments with careful microscopic examinations, that, in the customary grinding of the valves and valve seats by abrasive stones or materials, such as emery or carborundum, particles of said stones, freed during the grinding operation, become permanently embedded in the surface pores of the metal, in the form of fine, diamond-like points or projections, tically impossible to remove. When the valve is in service, during which it is slid to and fro over its seat, a slight, but continuous, cutting action results from the travel of these hard, sharp points, embedded in the valve face, over the valve seat, and vice versa. This results in the formation which I have found are prac-- of small channels or cross-channels, and,

while this action apparently is comparatively slight, its results are always disadvalve and valve seat are invariably literallyfull of microscopic pits, ridges, and uneven portions, which, if the valve is used in this condition, will tend to produce cross-currents and eddies in the fluid passing through the valve and thereby increase the scouring effect of such fiuid.

vantageous, often serious, especially after I have also observed from careful experiments that, in valves controlling the passage of fluid under high velocity, the small opening first produced during thegradual shifting of the valve .to open position occasions asudden rush of the fluid between the valve and valve seat which is generally accompanied by ascouring action on the cooperating faces of the valve and its seat, due to skin friction, and this is particularly true if any grit is in suspension in the fluid. The same condition results when the valve is partially closed during the movement of the valve from an open to a closed position. The scouring action, in either instance, produces'at first, a microscopic groove or scratch thereby permitting slight leakage, but, as the leakage continues, the scouring at the affected portion of the face increases, so that a larger and larger groove results, until the leakage of the valve becomes pronounced to the direct scouring or abrasive action of and serious.

Recurring now to valve lubrication, which in conjunction with others is one of the factors of my broad invention, experiment has shown that the question of the lubrication of valves is a vital one. The broad field of lubrication is an old one and has been the subject of considerable study and experiment for centuries. However, such consideration has been limited almost entirely to bearings wherefixed and movable parts are bound tightly together for relative rotation while in surface contact. The field of bearing lubrication has been highly developed, but little or no attention has been paid to the lubrication of valves. The problems of valve lubrication are, in fact, entirely-different from those of bearing lubrication,

since, in the latter case, the moving element turns by simple rotation, generally under substantially the same load at all times, and

the bearing is usually so formed as to exclude the entrance of mo1sture, particles of.

.dirt, or other foreign matter, between the cooperating surfaces of the bearin-g. Moreover, a bearing is not, at any time, sub ected a fluid, since, if it is to bepositioned where fluid will normally come in contact with it, it iscustomary to so house it as to exclude such contact. In the case of valves used to control the flow of corrosive fluids, or liquids,

the conditions are just the opposite, the valve,

' whenever open, being subjected. to the ried by the fluid. Because of the scouring action of fluid passing through a valve, and the fact that the rapid rush of fluid therethrough is accompanied by considerable skin friction, it is apparent that the oils or greases generally employed for bearing lubrication are entirely unadapted to valve lubrication, since the rapid flow of fluid through the valve" would soon carry off or decimate the lubricant to such extent that the parts would no longer be lubricated, and securing, with consequent leakage'of the valve, would result, This consideration does not enter into hear ing lubrication, since the lubrication-inbearings is, at all times, subjected to'the wiping action of the parts, only, and is at no time exposed to the forward rush of a body bf fluid at a high velocity,

Furthermore, it is not essential in bearings that the cooperating surfaces fitabsolutely tight at all points, since the question of leakage does not enter into bearing construction. When it is desired to preclude leakage of a lubricant from a bearing, this is generally accomplished by providing suit able packing at either end of the bearing, whereas, in valve construction, leakage is a primary consideration, and such packings as are employed in bearings would serve no useful purpose in precluding leakage beit is the practice to remove the cap of the pillow-block or'otherwise substantially float the bearing in heavy oil or grease to protect its bearing surface against the action of the elements and obviate corrosion. Whenthe bearing is to be subsequently operated, it is generally dismantled, the old grease or gum removed, and fresh lubricant introduced before the bearing is again placed in service. In the operation of valves, a valve is often left for a long extended period in closed position, to be subsequently opened for a short while and then closed again for another extended period, it being absolutely essential that, while the valve is closed, it shall provide an impervious seal devoid of leakage. However, the main difficulty with valves of the type under consideration is that, when left seated for an extended period, chemical action takes place between the valve and its seat, so that they become corroded or rusted tightlyv together, and it is necessary to break-the bond before the corrosion has progressed to a considerable degree, the moving of the valve is accomplished only with great difficulty, and it is not uncommon to break some part of the'valve when applying suflicient force to break the bond. Although this difiiculty has long been present in valve operation, no satisfactory means or method has ever been suggested for obviating the difiiculty,

the valve can be moved from its-seat. If

is opened, coupled with the further fact that the oxid1z1ng or'other chemical action,

- a satisfactory lubricant, as it due to the presence of the corrosive fluid, has presented a problem in defective valve operation not heretofore solved.

For these reasons, although valves, and particularly slide valves, have long been used, they have never been lubricated except when such valves have been employed to control the flow of a lubricant through a system conveying such an agent, and then only incidentally and without any particularintent to lubricate the valve. This is true in oil conveying conduits in refineries, etc'., but, in general practice,

would, in the majority of \cases, be carried 05 by the fluid or steam controlled by the valve. .It is true that slide valves in steamengines are, at present, lubricated to some extent by oil carried by the steam, the oil being introduced into the steam during its passage to the slide valves and before it reaches the engine, but

no means has ever been provided by which a valve is lubricated independently of the fluid which it controls.

' illustrated the present invention as With the foregoing considerations in mind, the main ob ect of the present invention, speaking generally, is to cope with and overcome the detrimental features and disadvantages enumerated, which, as demonstrated by the experiments which I have conducted, have been shown to exist, and to accomplish these results in a simple and efficient manner and without necessitating the entire reorganization or changing of valve construction.

Features of the invention, other than those specified, will be apparent from the to fill any interstices 1n the valve seat or following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings, I have adapted to a well known type of slide valve, but the showing herein made is to be understood as illustrative, only, and not as defining the limits of the invention.

Figure 1 is a transverse section through a valve embodying the present inventlon, the casing of the valvebeing shown 1n section as in the plane of the line l-1 of Figure 2, but the remainder of the valve being shown in elevation in the interest of clearness. I

Figure 2 is a section through the valve of Figure 1, taken in substantially the plane of the line 2-2 of said figure.

Although the drawings illustrate the present invention as adapted to a special environment, the underlying principle of its oil is really not material, the deleterious effects specified are obviated to a great extent, the formation or production of such effects, through the operation of the valve in controlling the flow of fluid therethrough, is overcome, and the wearing of said faces is minimized to such degree as to render the same inconsequential. I have further found out that by treating either or. both faces with graphite, a valve is conditioned to withstand the deleterious effects to corrosive liquids, vapors and gases, and remain properly operable through long use when employed to control the flow of corrosive liquids or gases. This phase of the present invention is entirely independent of manufacturing problems and deals with the uses of valves.

In accordance with the present invention, means is provided whereby either or both of said faces are subjected to the graphite cooperating face for the purpose of making said surfaces true and smooth, to cushion or cover any particles of grit in said' faces, to render said faces non-corrosive, and to eliminate friction, thereby assuring tight valves and rendering them more lasting, so

1 that leakage is substantially obviated.

. In the accompanying drawings, the manner in which the present invention may be utilized in various forms of valves is shown.

In Figures 1 and 2, one manner of adapting the invention to the well known form of everlasting valve is illustrated. Valves of the type delineated have long been in use, but no means has heretofore been suggested for overcoming the. disadvantages hereinbefore described as involved in their manufacture and maintenance. Speaking generally, they embody two face plates a,

.spaced apart by an annular ring a, forming-an interior v'alve chamber, within which an operating headA is mounted for oscillation on an operating stem 0. Operating ,head A is in the form of an arm which carries a pair of sealing disks B B adapted to simultaneously seal or unseal inlet and outlet ports C C, respectively, with which the 1 valve chamber is provided.

disks B B into or out of registration with In the operation of a valve of this char acter, the operating stem a? ismanipulated to bodily oscillate the head A for the pur-' pose of simultaneously moving both sealing theinlet and outlet ports of the valve. During the travel of the sealing disks, occasioned by. this operation, the sealing faces of said disks slide in face-abutting relation over the inner faces of face plates (1, so that, in carrying out the present invention,

I find it desirable to treat both the inner faces of said face plates and the sealing faces of the sealing disks with the graphite.

To this end, and in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the inner surfaces of the face plates a are provided with depressed pockets d,'and in these pockets are seated, and retainedin place by screws g, graphite v.

containers G, so positioned that the open sides of said containers will face interiorly of the valve. chamber and will extend across the width of the path traversed by subjected to the graphite treatment every time the valve is operated.- It will. be noted, moreover, that the body of graphite is so positioned that it is not subjected to the direct action, or positioned within the direct flow, of the fluld, the flow of which the valve controls. This I recommend, since said body of graphite, if positioned within the direct flow of the fluid, would'be subjected to the scouring action of the same,

particularly in a system where fluids, liquids ,or gases are handled under high pressure which action would serve to di eminate and Waste the graphite.

By applying graphite to the cooperating faces of a valve and valve seat, as well as to the inner surface of the face plate over which the valve slides, said surfaces will be treated with a relatively thin film or protecting envelope of graphite which will serve to fill up any scratches, channels, or other depressions in said surfaces and render 'them' perfectly smooth and even throughout their entire extents. Moreover, because of the lubricating characteristics of graphite, the actuation of the valve may be accomplished with greater ease, and, since graphite offers a resistance to the effect of alkalis, steam, mostv acids or water, corrosion will not set in and sticking of the valve !will be precluded. Thus, a valve treated as described may be left standing for a long period without becoming stuck, so that, when it is desired to subsequently operate the same, it will not become necessary to break the bond before the valve can be moved from its seat.

I Another important feature in the-use of graphite resides in the fact. that, when the surfaces of the valve parts are coated with such material, they are, in efiect, provided with a protective coating which obviates skin friction by the fluid which the valve controls and, also, precludes the scouring action of the fiuid from cutting into, scratchare not in the first instance covered by the graphite, the operations of the valve and contemporaneous graphite treatments will cause the scratches made by these points to become filled as soon as they are formed. Thus, eddies, cross-currents, and other disadvantageous features; generally resulting from scratches, channels, or other unevennesses in the surfaces under consideration,

are entirely obviated, and the valve is made to operate more easily and is so protected as to prolong its life. I Under these conditions, the application of graphite or similar material to the treated surfaces fills up all holes, depressions or irregularities insuch surfaces, leaving the same smooth, and the contact of other surfaces, brought into operative relation therewith, causesthe two surfaces to cooperate inmaking a perfect union between them and hence .a satisfactory seal, the graphite compensating for the irregularities in such surfaces by filling the depressions between the elevations of each surface. Accordingly, valve faces .may be employed, in certain cases, as they come from the casting operation, since it is possible to produce a refined casting, the surfaces of which will be sufficiently smooth to permit, of their use in the manner hereinbefore described, through the employment of' the graphite treatment, or said surfaces may be planed to an approximate fit, and, when treated with graphite as described, will produce a tight, impervious joint. A

In the construction here'inbefore described, the graphite has been set forth as contained within a pocket formed directly in one of the machine parts, as packed within a container and movably pressed within said part. However, the invention may be carried out in different environments in the manner best adapted for the carrying out of its function, the showing herein made being for the purpose of illustration, only, and

not limiting the invention to specific details.

\Vhile I have illustrated means for applying the graphite from one abutting face to another, I may find it useful and within the scope of my invention to provide graphite distributing means to both abutting faces. I have observed an imperfection in valves arising from faulty construction which may be described as follows, whereas in the everlasting type of valve the movable member does not move absolutely in the plane of the faces of its casing, of even if it does so move it may not fit snugly within the casing. I have found in such cases that the graphite applied as stated compensates for such irregularities, eccentricities or insufliciencies, and that in the operation of the valve the graphite which will flow under pressure takes the course of least resistance and compensates for such imperfections, or eccentricities, retaining its position where it is so forced, thus establishing a perfect union and a tight fit, and yet one that facilitates the operation of the valve as hereinbefore set forth.

Throughout the foregoing description, the phrase solid body of graphite has been frequently employed, this'term having been used to differentiate from liquid lubricants and oils of low viscosity. By the term body is meant a Well defined mass, such as would be contained in a pocket, as described, which mass is preferablv a mobile body, the graphite being preferably ground and packed within the pocket either alone or in combination with-a binding agent.

The graphite, when packed within the containing pocket, appears, to all intents and purposes, as solid, but it may be readily rubbed upon a cooperating surface to treat the same with a relatively thick or thin filament or envelope as occasion may require.

Having thus fully described the invention what I claim as new, and desire 'to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a valve of the class described, a valve chamber, an inlet and outlet to said chamber, a valve seat,a sealing member cooperating with said seat for controlling the flow of material through the outlet, a substantially sealed body of lubricant so positioned within the chamber that the sealing member is caused totraverse the same during the operations of opening and closing the valve, said body of lubricant being so positioned that it is out of engagement with the sealing member when said sealing member occupies either extreme position.

2. In a valve of the class described, a valve chamber, an inlet and outlet to said chamber, a valve seat, a sealing member cooperating with said seat for controlling the flow of material through the outlet, a substantially sealed body of lubricant so positioned within the chamber that the sealing member is caused to traverse the same during the operations of opening and closing the valve, said body of lubricant'being so positioned that it is out of engagement with the sealing member when said sealing member occupies either extreme closed or open position, and separate pockets for holding the lubricating material.

Signed by me at New York, N. Y., this 8th day of March, 1922.

WYLIE Gr. WILSON.

Witnesses:

DOROTHY FRANK SOHEIBER, SADIE H. OLIKER. 

